Hermosa Beach stretches out for about five miles along the classic California coast, featuring a relaxed vibe and a friendly local crowd. The beach is easily accessible with various local streets leading down to the shoreline, making it straightforward for surfers to get in the water. However, be aware that the quality of the surf can be hit or miss, often depending on the sandbars and recent conditions.
The surf can vary quite a bit here, with wave heights ranging from 2ft to 10ft (about 0.6m to 3m). Hermosa Beach handles a mix of swells coming from directions like South, SouthWest, and West, with the waves breaking over sand. You can catch both left and right waves, which is nice for different surfing styles. Generally, the best time to hit the water is during medium to high tides, especially when there are mix swells from the SW, WSW, and WNW. Good days can offer clean rides, but a lot of the time you’ll run into closeouts, so keep an eye on the conditions to maximize your session.
The crowd factor is usually pretty spread out, so you can find your space, but don’t expect the pristine conditions all the time. The local vibe is generally mellow, making it a great spot for surfers of all abilities, from beginners to intermediates. If you're into different board types, you can ride anything from shortboards to funboards or even longboards, depending on the day's surf. Just keep in mind that after rain, the beach can get a bit messy. Overall, Hermosa Beach is a decent spot to check out, especially during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.